Types of boat

If we analyse the various documentary sources, we can see
that the outline and rig of smaller Basque vessels is generally
the same in any given period; the only difference is in the
size and, to some extent, the proportions.
The type of fishing technique used determined the size of
the boats, which were distinguished from one another by the
number of thwarts.
The space between thwarts was always the same. For example
a tuna boat, kalerua, had ten or eleven thwarts; a fishing
smacks had eight or nine; a sardine boat or potina had six
or seven; and the smallest boat, the batel, had just four. The
space between thwarts was always the same. For example a
tuna boat, kalerua, had ten or eleven thwarts; a fishing
smacks had eight or nine; a sardine boat or potina had six
or seven; and the smallest boat, the batel, had just four.
Broadly speaking, this distinction has remained over the
centuries, giving four groups of boat of different sizes, each
used for specific activities.

Oars. Smaller Basque vessels have all been designed to be
rowed. They are generally intended to fit as many oarsmen as possible.
The oars were generally made of beech wood, and occasionally
ash.

Rudders. The rudder on the smaller Basque vessels is generally
removable, and is used only when the boat is travelling under
sail. As well as being used to steer the vessel, the rudder also acts
as a fin, making up for the lack of a deep keel to prevent sideways
drift; it is for this reason that the rudder extends down below the
draft of the vessel.

Centreboards. Sailing close to the wind, the rudder may not
provide sufficient lateral face to prevent drifting. In these vessels,
with a very shallow draft, a removable side keel was secured to the
outside of the vessel to leeward to reduce sideways drift.